{"id":28532,"date":"2006-10-07T14:22:18","date_gmt":"2006-10-07T19:22:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.uscho.com\/2006\/10\/07\/200607-quinnipiac-season-preview\/"},"modified":"2010-08-17T19:56:39","modified_gmt":"2010-08-18T00:56:39","slug":"200607-quinnipiac-season-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wwwproxy.uscho.com\/2006\/10\/07\/200607-quinnipiac-season-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"2006-07 Quinnipiac Season Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"
As their first year in the ECACHL commenced last year, few knew what to expect from the Quinnipiac Bobcats.<\/p>\n
The results: a run close to a home-ice spot, and a first-round win over Rensselaer in the conference playoffs.<\/p>\n
Now people know what the Bobcats can do — challenge the best in the ECACHL.<\/p>\n
“As a team we were pleased with our first year in the ECACHL,” said head coach Rand Pecknold. “We defeated five nationally-ranked teams and beat 10 of the 11 [other] teams in the league. Winning our first league playoff series, on the road no less, was another important step for this program.”<\/p>\n
Now that the Bobcats won’t be taken lightly, there’s hope in Hamden, Conn., especially with a new facility coming, and an attitude that it’s going to help the program out tremendously.<\/p>\n
“Everyone is excited about the prospect of playing in our own on-campus facility,” said head coach Rand Pecknold, who recently signed a long-term contract extension as he enters his 13th year behind the Bobcats’ bench. “It’s going to be a great environment for players, coaches and fans alike.”<\/p>\n
Up front, the Bobcats lose five forwards, but 10 return including the line of Bryan Leitch (14-31-45), Ben Nelson (17-21-38) and Jamie Bates (21-20-41). They lead a talented group that has shown that it can score with the best, and which will be a force.<\/p>\n
“With a strong mix of returnees and newcomers, I feel we have the capability to match our offensive productivity from a year ago,” said Pecknold. “However, we can’t automatically expect the same results. Out players aren’t a mystery to the league any more.”<\/p>\n
One player who has never been a mystery is Reid Cashman. The senior defenseman is one of the best in the nation, and will anchor the defense. He will be marked, but he always finds a way.<\/p>\n